Sonic Mania (August 15th 2017, Christian Whitehead, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch) - The New Classic

[Blazey Firekitty]

It's a little thing, but I really like how the higher sprite resolution makes Knuckle's fists look bigger and more powerful.

[Blue Speedster]

47 minutes ago, Blazey Firekitty said:

It's a little thing, but I really like how the higher sprite resolution makes Knuckle's fists look bigger and more powerful.

I agree. He looks like he has more attitude than in previous games for the 2D era. His animations are some of the best I have seen so far. I saw Aaron play it on the live stream on Saturday, and its just a marvelous spectacle. Now, if Blaze was in this, I think the series would hit a new high.  

[Blazey Firekitty]

It's really great to have Knuckles so animated, he really looks like he's having the time of his life. I could see Blaze having a lot of fun animations in this, kind of like when you poked her with the stylus in Sonic Rush and she jumped. :3 Tails already freaks out a bit if Sonic starts moving again after Tails falls asleep, so that's a start.

[Blue Speedster]

7 minutes ago, Blazey Firekitty said:

It's really great to have Knuckles so animated, he really looks like he's having the time of his life. I could see Blaze having a lot of fun animations in this, kind of like when you poked her with the stylus in Sonic Rush and she jumped. :3 Tails already freaks out a bit if Sonic starts moving again after Tails falls asleep, so that's a start.

If Blaze was added to another 2D game that wasn't in the style of Rush, it would be interesting. Maybe even have her do co-op with Sonic, now that I'd love to see in action. Her play could be like Sonic, but more like Knuckles in terms of power

[Jango]

Didn't the president of SEGA said not long ago that they will stop rushing games to meet deadlines? With the level of quality we've been presented so far, I'm more inclined to trust SEGA's words than ever before. Mania probably started development in mid-2015, see how long they kept it as a secret to make sure what was shown look GREAT. And oh boy, it did.

[Blue Speedster]

5 hours ago, Jango said:

Didn't the president of SEGA said not long ago that they will stop rushing games to meet deadlines? With the level of quality we've been presented so far, I'm more inclined to trust SEGA's words than ever before. Mania probably started development in mid-2015, see how long they kept it as a secret to make sure what was shown look GREAT. And oh boy, it did.

 

SEGA have said that the quality of their games is now their top priority, as they felt that fans were betrayed by previous games in the franchise. But. if you look at Sonic Boom Fire and Ice, which was delayed for a whole year, that game was still mediocre. I believe that Iizuka-San wants Sonic 2017 to be the big next step in the Colors/Generations era, and Mania to be the call back to how the games were in the 16bit era. Which is why Taxman and his team are back, since most of the original members of Sonic Team are with Prop, working for Yuji-Naka San.

[Lucid Dream]

4 hours ago, Blue Speedster said:

SEGA have said that the quality of their games is now their top priority, as they felt that fans were betrayed by previous games in the franchise. But. if you look at Sonic Boom Fire and Ice, which was delayed for a whole year, that game was still mediocre. I believe that Iizuka-San wants Sonic 2017 to be the big next step in the Colors/Generations era, and Mania to be the call back to how the games were in the 16bit era. Which is why Taxman and his team are back, since most of the original members of Sonic Team are with Prop, working for Yuji-Naka San.

Sonic Boom F&I is definitely quite a bit more than just mediocre, and it's a large improvement from previous Sonic Boom titles. I would say that Sonic Boom F&I is an example of Sega putting less pressure on their teams so that they can make better games, which is completely different to the ways they used to treat their teams before. Even Sonic Generations had a lot of deadline pressure exerted by Sega, and it really shows. especcially in Sonic Generations 3DS. 

Realistically, all Sega could give Sanzaru was a time extension so that they could improve their game. I don't think Sonic Team was involved in the production of F&I. 

[Blue Speedster]

8 minutes ago, Sniper dreams said:

Sonic Boom F&I is definitely quite a bit more than just mediocre, and it's a large improvement from previous Sonic Boom titles. I would say that Sonic Boom F&I is an example of Sega putting less pressure on their teams so that they can make better games, which is completely different to the ways they used to treat their teams before. Even Sonic Generations had a lot of deadline pressure exerted by Sega, and it really shows. especcially in Sonic Generations 3DS. 

Realistically, all Sega could give Sanzaru was a time extension so that they could improve their game. I don't think Sonic Team was involved in the production of F&I. 

I agree that it was an improvement, but the time extension was there for a whole year is what I'm saying. Generations 3DS was actually quite fun, albiet short with Modern Sonic stages. Sonic Boom is developed for a Western market only, hence there are not a lot of Sonic Team characters in the series. Except Shadow and Metal Sonic outside the main 4 and Eggman. Sonic Mania, from what I have heard from Aaron is a game from the hearts of Sonic Fans of the 16 bit era and mixing all that love into what could be one of the best 2D Sonics to date. I feel as if SEGA are giving the team behind Mania a lot of creative control, since they're an indie dev team.

I meant no disrespect to you in my previous comments, its all just my personal opinion, (:

[Lucid Dream]

14 minutes ago, Blue Speedster said:

I agree that it was an improvement, but the time extension was there for a whole year is what I'm saying. Generations 3DS was actually quite fun, albiet short with Modern Sonic stages. Sonic Boom is developed for a Western market only, hence there are not a lot of Sonic Team characters in the series. Except Shadow and Metal Sonic outside the main 4 and Eggman. Sonic Mania, from what I have heard from Aaron is a game from the hearts of Sonic Fans of the 16 bit era and mixing all that love into what could be one of the best 2D Sonics to date. I feel as if SEGA are giving the team behind Mania a lot of creative control, since they're an indie dev team.

I meant no disrespect to you in my previous comments, its all just my personal opinion, (:

Don't worry about it, you weren't disrespectful at all. I'm just disagreeing on what you said before, we're not fighting or anything. Feel free to argue and disagree with whomever you want here as long as you're respectful. 

When I say Sonic Team wasn't involved in Sonic Boom, I mean that Sonic Boom F&I was largely produced by Sanzaru, which are a fairly different group to Sonic Team. Therefore, it's slightly unfair to put Sega down for most of its shortcomings.

And I don't actually think Generations 3DS is bad (I enjoyed it a fair amount too), but it was certainly very rushed, and should have been much better. 

[Blue Speedster]

10 minutes ago, Sniper dreams said:

Don't worry about it, you weren't disrespectful at all. I'm just disagreeing on what you said before, we're not fighting or anything.  

When I say Sonic Team wasn't involved in Sonic Boom, I mean that Sonic Boom F&I was largely produced by Sanzaru, which are a fairly different group to Sonic Team. And, I don't actually think Generations 3DS is bad (I enjoyed it a fair amount too), but it was certainly very rushed, and should have been much better. 

Oh yeah, I agree totally, and I think this game coming up is the best of all the 2D games in one package. The content in the other ports Taxman developed were some of the best I have seen in recent years. Sonic CD among them. Sonic Generations 3DS was co-developed by Dimps, which might have had something to do with the short length. Mania is all built from the ground up, so hears hoping it has the length of Sonic 3 stages

[Mark1]

Anyone else hope that SEGA releases a full OST for this game? Super eager to hear the rest of Tee Lopes' magical work. 

Everything I've heard so far is too good.

Tee Lopes and Jun Senoue are those that we need to suit both Classic and Modern fans   

[JezMM]

1 hour ago, Mark1 said:

Anyone else hope that SEGA releases a full OST for this game? Super eager to hear the rest of Tee Lopes' magical work. 

Everything I've heard so far is too good.

Tee Lopes and Jun Senoue are those that we need to suit both Classic and Modern fans   

I definitely hope so, I wonder if Tee Lopes is the kind to write endings for his songs in case of an OST release, since I've always preferred that to a whole album of fadeouts, the exact same experience as you get in-game etc.

I feel if Sonic 4 and Runners can get digital soundtrack releases, it's looking hopeful that Mania will at least get that.  SEGA would be foolish not to, considering the high praise for the soundtrack so far.

[TheBlueGuardian]

7 hours ago, Mark1 said:

Anyone else hope that SEGA releases a full OST for this game? Super eager to hear the rest of Tee Lopes' magical work. 

Everything I've heard so far is too good.

Tee Lopes and Jun Senoue are those that we need to suit both Classic and Modern fans   

I've listened to Tee's works and remixs of Sonic tracks, and they're amazing pieces of music, if he'd composed Sonic 4's music the soundtrack would be alot better, other than that I can't wait to hear more of his works.

[Psychicmoose103]

Just read through this entire thread. Anyways, Hi Guys! I am new to these fourms!

Sonic Mania looks amazing! I have been waiting so long for a new classic sonic game! Soundtrack is also great!

I hope that they bring back Springyard and Hydrocity! Those were two of my favorite zones!

 

What would you guys like to see in this game?

[TheOcelot]

Speaking of Tee Lopes; I wanted to know who's composed the soundtrack for PagodaWest Games's new mobile game, Spirit Rush, which is out on iOS tomorrow. I asked PWG on twitter. They confirmed Tee Lopes has indeed composed the music for the game. So we'll get to hear more of his music!

No doubt Mania's soundtrack will get a digital release. Don't think I've ever known a soundtrack to get so much praise when we've only heard a few tracks! I would also like a physical-CD release. I was expecting more physical releases for some of the other Sonic game soundtracks like we got for the 20th anniversary, but SEGA have been quiet on that front. Of course there's still time.

[Mark1]

Re-imagined wishlist:

Sonic 2 - Casino Night Zone, Mystic Cave Zone or Hidden Palace Zone (fully fledged out zone for this would be so sweet  )

Sonic 3 - Hydrocity Zone, Icecap Zone (or both ideally.)

Sonic and Knuckles -  Flying Battery Zone, Lava Reef Zone, Death Egg Zone.

Sonic CD - Stardust Speedway Zone (or any zone done with a better level design approach. The trial and error aspect of this game frustrates me a lot).

[Your Vest Friend]

Currently there aren't plans for an OST release for Mania. However, Webber can pass the feedback back to the right department, so I wouldn't say it was unlikely. 

I know this because someone asked just this on the charity stream. 

[Psychicmoose103]

If this game does really well (which we know it will) do you guys think there might be more classic sonic games? I would love there to be Modern, Classic released side by side!

I know they are playing it safe, with more classic zones, and more old mechanics (no new characters, abilities) besides the combine ring and Drop Dash.

If they make a "Mania 2" or something like that, what would you guys like to see in it? New Character? New Shields? Personally, I would love to see Mighty return, with maybe the insta-shield and what he could do in Mega-mix (with the switching and storing shields). As for new shields, maybe like an acid shield that lets you float, or maybe bring back the homing-shield? I'm curious to what you guys think about this!

[Jango]

Mania 2: New everything, except gameplay and physics, for sure.

[Multikaris]

11 minutes ago, Psychicmoose103 said:

If this game does really well (which we know it will) do you guys think there might be more classic sonic games? I would love there to be Modern, Classic released side by side!

I know they are playing it safe, with more classic zones, and more old mechanics (no new characters, abilities) besides the combine ring and Drop Dash.

If they make a "Mania 2" or something like that, what would you guys like to see in it? New Character? New Shields? Personally, I would love to see Mighty return, with maybe the insta-shield and what he could do in Mega-mix (with the switching and storing shields). As for new shields, maybe like an acid shield that lets you float, or maybe bring back the homing-shield? I'm curious to what you guys think about this!

For Mania 2: main focus on new zones, but with zones from lesser-known games mixed in. Maybe one from the Mega Drive/Next Level comic series as well. Amy as a new playable character. Somewhat deeper plot. Tails and Knuckles may get new moves. 

[Monkey Destruction Switch]

I would salvitate if any other classic characters even beyond Amy, such as the Chaotix, appeared in a Mania 2. I'd like all-new zones too unless there was a good reason to do otherwise. Though, it would be really awesome to adapt zones from other games aside from the main Genesis ones and perhaps change some of their layouts almost completely in the process. Imagine cool ideas from the 8-bit titles, such as Mecha Green Hill Zone, reimagined in psuedo-32-bit glory, or going through Sonic 3D Blast or Sonic Spinball inspired levels in normal sidescrolling Sonic platformer fashion. Maybe even modern-game-inspired levels thrown in as unlockable bonus content.

EDIT: I also want to say that I don't think "new classic" games necessarily need to have "Sonic Mania" in the title just because Sonic Mania started this trend. It certainly wouldn't hurt, but it also wouldn't hurt for future games to have a more distinct, individual identity either.

[Multikaris]

1 hour ago, Monkey Destruction Switch said:

I would salvitate if any other classic characters even beyond Amy, such as the Chaotix, appeared in a Mania 2. I'd like all-new zones too unless there was a good reason to do otherwise. Though, it would be really awesome to adapt zones from other games aside from the main Genesis ones and perhaps change some of their layouts almost completely in the process. Imagine cool ideas from the 8-bit titles, such as Mecha Green Hill Zone, reimagined in psuedo-32-bit glory, or going through Sonic 3D Blast or Sonic Spinball inspired levels in normal sidescrolling Sonic platformer fashion. Maybe even modern-game-inspired levels thrown in as unlockable bonus content.

EDIT: I also want to say that I don't think "new classic" games necessarily need to have "Sonic Mania" in the title just because Sonic Mania started this trend. It certainly wouldn't hurt, but it also wouldn't hurt for future games to have a more distinct, individual identity either.

Yeah, totally. Some lesser known characters will be appreciated. Maybe it's okay to have alternate media characters or classic-ized modern characters? And for the levels, i'd prefer an even mix of new and obscure stuff, with Mania 3 being all-new. Unlockable modern levels will be nice (Colors? Advance series?)

[Hiki]

If they make a Sonic Mania 2, the main thing I would like to see a focus on new stages. Mania's brand new stages look really good so far, and I would definitely like to see them focus on that. Even bringing back scrapped stages would be a neat little idea, like how they did Mirage Saloon Zone.

Something I would like, but isn't really necessary is adding another character. Amy would be the best candidate for that. If they do add Amy, I would really like to see them improve her gameplay to kind of make her play like a Classic Sonic character, but with her own unique abilities like Tails and Knuckles have.

The use of cutscenes like how they were in Sonic 3 and Knuckles would be a neat addition to Mania 2. With how Mania's animation is so nice, and full of life, they could do alot with cutscenes in a possible sequel.

DLC. I don't know if there will be DLC in Sonic Mania, but if they don't, it would be a great addition to Mania 2.

[Remy]

On 10/27/2016 at 8:23 AM, Mayor D said:

Does this mean we might also Get Wood Zone, a console hidden palace and... all those other cancelled zones Sega likes to pretend that we don't know about? 

the get wood zone sounds nasty.

20 minutes ago, King of the Black Arms said:

The use of cutscenes like how they were in Sonic 3 and Knuckles would be a neat addition to Mania 2. With how Mania's animation is so nice, and full of life, they could do alot with cutscenes in a possible sequel.

Are we sure these are not it atm? Seems to me we haven't really seen a proper transition from one zone to the next in these demos. Mebbe it's still there?

[Hiki]

1 hour ago, Remy said:

Are we sure these are not it atm? Seems to me we haven't really seen a proper transition from one zone to the next in these demos. Mebbe it's still there?

Perhaps. I'd be so happy if it is! ^.^

But if not, I'll still hope for it for Mania 2.